United Way Monterey County kicked off its Stuff the Bus campaign in Seaside Tuesday morning.A new yellow school bus was out at the Cabrillo Family Resource Center, ready to be filled with donations.The goal is to raise enough money and get enough donations to make sure every homeless child can go to school with a backpack full of supplies.According to United Way, there are more than 7,000 students in Monterey County school districts who are considered homeless.The qualification means students are living in less than ideal living situations, including moving from place to place, staying in cars, staying in motels and sleeping in overcrowded structures or structures that are not livable, like garages.Superintendent of Monterey County Schools, Nancy Kotowski, said these students need stocked backpacks to prepare them for academic success."The backpack provides an organizer for students, so when they want to take out something for class, it is right there," she said.Kotowski said when students are moving from place to place, a backpack to carry all of their assignments and supplies is critical for succeeding in school.Marie Luna knows this firsthand. The 18-year-old said she received school supplies from United Way for years."It's amazing to see how just bringing a simple school supplies, just motivates a student to keep on going, despite all of the obstacles and hardships in life," Luna said.The teenager graduated from Monterey High School this spring and plans to attend the University of Alabama in the fall, and she is thankful for the support she got from Monterey Peninsula Unified School District."Mr. Diaz was the one that helped us. Every single time that we needed something we could call him and he would be right there," Luna said.The district also unveiled its new Cabrillo Family Resource Center, which is located in Seaside at 1295 La Salle Avenue. The center is there for families who need help getting their children prepared for success.United Way Monterey County needs to get more than 7,100 backpacks ready to go before the end of its Stuff the Bus campaign.To donate money, you can text STUFF BUS to 313131 and get the link to donate. With $20, United Way Monterey County is able to buy a packed backpack, thanks to discounts.You can also drop off donations at Stuff the Bus locations. To find one close to you call 211.

SEASIDE, Calif. —

United Way Monterey County kicked off its Stuff the Bus campaign in Seaside Tuesday morning.

A new yellow school bus was out at the Cabrillo Family Resource Center, ready to be filled with donations.

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The goal is to raise enough money and get enough donations to make sure every homeless child can go to school with a backpack full of supplies.

According to United Way, there are more than 7,000 students in Monterey County school districts who are considered homeless.

The qualification means students are living in less than ideal living situations, including moving from place to place, staying in cars, staying in motels and sleeping in overcrowded structures or structures that are not livable, like garages.

Superintendent of Monterey County Schools, Nancy Kotowski, said these students need stocked backpacks to prepare them for academic success.

"The backpack provides an organizer for students, so when they want to take out something for class, it is right there," she said.

Kotowski said when students are moving from place to place, a backpack to carry all of their assignments and supplies is critical for succeeding in school.

Marie Luna knows this firsthand. The 18-year-old said she received school supplies from United Way for years.

"It's amazing to see how just bringing a simple school supplies, just motivates a student to keep on going, despite all of the obstacles and hardships in life," Luna said.

The teenager graduated from Monterey High School this spring and plans to attend the University of Alabama in the fall, and she is thankful for the support she got from Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.

"Mr. Diaz was the one that helped us. Every single time that we needed something we could call him and he would be right there," Luna said.

The district also unveiled its new Cabrillo Family Resource Center, which is located in Seaside at 1295 La Salle Avenue. The center is there for families who need help getting their children prepared for success.

United Way Monterey County needs to get more than 7,100 backpacks ready to go before the end of its Stuff the Bus campaign.

To donate money, you can text STUFF BUS to 313131 and get the link to donate. With $20, United Way Monterey County is able to buy a packed backpack, thanks to discounts.

You can also drop off donations at Stuff the Bus locations. To find one close to you call 211.